2 July 2022 Greeting remarks of President Meta at the reception held by the US Embassy on the occasion of the 246th anniversary of the United States Independence
Honorable United States Ambassador, Your Excellency Yuri Kim,
Distinguished senior state authorities,
Distinguished representatives of the Diplomatic Corps,
Dear friends!
I am happy that we are gathered together on the 246th anniversary of the birthday of a great friendly nation, our historic and strategic ally, the United States of America.
United States has been and remains a source of inspiration for all Albanians, and for all other nations that aspire to the universal principles of democracy, freedom and human dignity.
We are even more conscious of the strategic importance of strengthening relations between our two countries and peoples, especially at the present day, when Europe and the whole world have been deeply shocked by Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine, seriously threatening the sovereignty and freedoms of a European country, and the very values that unite Western democracies.
This year coincides with a very important jubilee, marking the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries.
A century of relations, starting with the historical and vital support that President Wilson gave to the founding of the Albanian state, which were hardened by the Communist isolation, only to be revived even more strongly with the establishment of pluralism and democracy.
“The right of self-determination.” that was what President Wilson said;
“Freedom works!”, State Secretary Baker would say;
“The time is now for the independence of Kosova”; and: “This is a special moment in the hopeful history of human freedom, as United States of America announces its support for Albania’s entry into NATO” President Bush would declare in Tirana;
“We have been with you during the past 100 years, and we will be together in the 100 years to come,” State Secretary Clinton would say on the 100th anniversary of the Albanian state!
These historic moments are crucial milestones in our century-long relationship, which have engraved deep traces in the friendship between our two peoples.
This friendship has also been forged by the extraordinary dedication of the Albanian diaspora in the United States.
Let’s all work together to strengthen this friendship and strategic partnership, today more than yesterday, tomorrow more than today, believing only in freedom and democracy.
Happy Independence Day America!
May the friendship between our two peoples and countries be blessed!
